The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has proposed putting eight different food inspection programs under one system, with a standardized model that meets the changing dynamics of the industry.

The CFIA currently has different food safety programs for dairy, eggs, fish and seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, imported and manufactured food, maple, meat, and processed products.

The draft proposal, 'The Improved Food Inspection Model: The Case for Change', highlighted that Canada's 2011 budget committed CAD$100 million (US$97 million) over five years for the CFIA to modernize its food safety inspection system

"As part of this modernization initiative, the Agency has committed to develop an improved food inspection model. The basic goal of the model is to move from delivering eight independent food inspection programs to delivering one food inspection program," he says.

"In the proposed model, inspection and verification processes would be standardized across food processing establishments and importers.

"The frequency and scope of the inspection activities would be based on risk level and would be adaptable, as required, to the size and complexity of the regulated parties' operation."

The CFIA has requested comments in response by Jul. 31.

Click here to see the draft proposal.

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